A trip to Napa doesn’t have to revolve around sunshine. Some of the most memorable Napa experiences happen indoors, especially when the weather turns rainy or cool. From cozy tasting rooms and immersive food experiences to family-friendly activities and relaxing retreats, Napa offers plenty of ways to enjoy your visit no matter the forecast.
This guide covers the best indoor activities in Napa, including options for couples, families with kids, and anyone looking to slow down, perhaps get out of the rain or sun, and savor wine country from the inside out.
Here’s a quick rundown of some popular indoor activities:
Things to Do in Napa on a Rainy Day
- Spend the afternoon wine tasting at Downtown Napa tasting rooms
- Explore Oxbow Public Market’s food, drinks and shops all-in-one covered place
- Book an afternoon tea or spa experience
- Visit a bookstore and café for a slow, cozy break
- Post up at a hotel with a fireplace
Things to Do in Napa Indoors with Kids
- Enjoy hands-on fun at The Grape Escape escape rooms
- Bowl a few frames at the Napa Bowling Center
- Explore Oxbow Public Market, where kids can sample treats and see local crafts
- Read together and enjoy a snack at Napa Bookmine or Copperfield’s Books
Now let’s take a closer look at each of those, and see why they make for wonderful indoor experiences.
Best Indoor Wine Tasting Rooms in Napa
Rainy days are ideal for wine tasting, and Napa’s downtown tasting rooms are designed perfectly for the purpose of enjoying a quintessential indoor Napa Valley experience.
- Vintner’s Collective– A multi-winery tasting room with rotating selection of Napa producers
- No Love Lost – A stylish, modern tasting room focused on small-production wines, with intimate indoor atmosphere
- Vermeil Wines – Known for approachable tastings and a cozy downtown location
- Housley Napa Valley – A lively tasting spot with comfortable lounging in a chic setting
These tasting rooms are especially well-suited for rainy days, couples looking for a relaxed experience, and visitors who want to explore Napa wines without traveling outside the city.
A One-of-a-Kind Napa Indoor Activity
For a truly one-of-a-kind Napa indoor experience, consider the Napa Valley Wine Train. Board vintage train cars for a multi-course gourmet meal paired with exceptional local wines as your tour around wine country with a front row seat, indoors. Perfect for day trips or romantic outings, but they also have some tours providing kid-friendly meals and rates, with seasonal events, like the Santa Train.
Indoor Experiences Beyond Wine
Oxbow Public Market is one of the city’s best all-weather destinations. It’s also one of downtown’s most popular hang out spots. This mostly indoor vibrant market features food vendors, local products, and artisan goods (like the cozy Bookmine bookstore mentioned below), making it ideal for rainy days with kids or groups with varied interests.
Culinary Arts Museum at CIA at Copia
Located in Downtown Napa, the Chuck Williams Culinary Arts Museum celebrates the history of cooking, kitchen design, and culinary innovation. It’s an excellent indoor cultural activity and pairs well with other Copia experiences, such as dining or cooking demonstrations.
Indoor Entertainment & Family-Friendly Fun
Whether you’re visiting with kids, planning a date night, or looking for a memorable group outing, this collection of indoor attractions ensures there’s something for everyone, and plenty of ways to keep the energy lively, even when the weather isn’t ideal.
For families in search of indoor activities for kids in Napa, the Napa Bowling Center is a standout option. Bowling provides a classic, weather-proof activity that works for all ages and group sizes. They offer party packages and its onsite Lane 33 Cafe serves up burgers, pizzas, tacos and other bites kids love.
Napa’s fun twist on the escape room experience. The Grape Escape offers interactive indoor activities across its four immersive escape rooms, each taking around 60 minutes to solve. It’s ideal for groups, families with kids, or anyone looking for something different inside. All ages welcome. Kids under 6 are free.
If you’re in the mood for world-class live music, Blue Note Napa is the perfect indoor destination. Located in the heart of downtown, this intimate venue brings top jazz, blues, and soul performers to Napa Valley, paired with expertly crafted cocktails and dining. Enjoy a cozy evening as you settle into plush seating, sip a signature drink, and let the music transport you. It’s an ideal choice for couples, friends, or anyone seeking a sophisticated indoor entertainment experience. With shows almost every night, it’s a dependable indoor option that still feels special and uniquely Napa.
Napa Indoor Activities for Book Lovers and Slow Afternoons
Rainy days are the perfect excuse to slow the pace and enjoy Napa’s quieter pleasures. From independent bookstores to cozy corners made for browsing and lingering, these indoor activities are ideal for travelers who want to unwind, explore local culture, and enjoy a calm afternoon indoors.
Copperfield’s is the true book lover’s bookstore. An independent bookstore in the heart of downtown, it’s also a classic rainy-day stop. Browse fiction, cookbooks, wine education titles, and children’s books, or pick up a Napa-inspired gift. It’s a great indoor activity for both adults and kids. Here, you can browse popular titles and carefully curated displays put together by their knowledgeable, friendly staff.
Napa Bookmine & Napa Bookmine at Oxbow
A longtime local favorite, Napa Bookmine is Napa Valley’s independent, family-owned bookstore. Their two locations — on Pearl Street and in Oxbow Market — make for an easy place to spend an hour or two indoors, especially on a rainy afternoon. Staff recommendations and a curated selection make browsing part of the experience. Grab a pastry and handcrafted coffee from their small café to enjoy while you browse books, gifts, and records.
Warm Indoor Stops with Treats, Tea, and Brews
When the weather calls for something comforting (and tasty!), Napa offers plenty of inviting places to warm up indoors with sweet treat or caffeine boost. Whether you’re craving handcrafted chocolates, a freshly brewed cup of coffee, or a classic baked good, these spots are perfect for taking a break, refueling, and enjoying a cozy moment during a rainy day in Napa.
Pop into this classic, vintage-style shop and post up for a wine and chocolate tasting sure to leave you feeling warm and fuzzy. Before you leave, be sure to grab a chocolate-covered wine bottle to enjoy back at your hotel.
Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company
A well-made cup of coffee is the best remedy for chilly afternoons. Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company is the quintessential local coffee shop here in Downtown Napa. Grab your handcrafted espresso beverage and a pastry or two and find a table by the window to sip and relax for a while.
Ackerman Heritage House — Traditional Afternoon Tea
History buffs, tea drinkers or anyone who appreciates a little opulence will love spending an afternoon at Ackerman Heritage House for a traditional, historically authentic tea ceremony. Step into the past at this beautifully preserved Victorian home and enjoy organic, locally sourced teas paired with exquisite light bites. You can also add on Ackerman wines by the glass or bottle, in case you’d like something a little stronger to go with your tea. This reservation-based experience is entirely indoors and perfect for a slower, more elegant rainy day in Napa.
Barnhouse is a combination English pub and coffeehouse, resulting in a one-of-a-kind spot to spend the day inside. Nowhere else can you get handcrafted espresso beverages, proper English tea, locally produced Napa beer and wine, and traditional English food, all in one relaxing setting. If you’re up for a little friendly competition, you can also head into the “Shack in the Back” for darts and shuffleboard.
Cozy Places to Stay in Napa When the Weather Turns
Sometimes the best rainy-day activity is simply leaning into comfort. Napa’s hotels and inns are destinations in themselves, offering fireplaces, spa experiences, and inviting spaces to unwind indoors.
Located in the heart of Downtown Napa, The George is a beautifully restored historic inn that blends 19th-century architecture with modern luxury. With just a handful of rooms, it’s ideal for a cozy, quiet stay. Guests love the fireplaces, heated bathroom floors, and easy walkability to downtown restaurants and tasting rooms — ideal when the rain or cold limit outdoor plans.
Just minutes from Downtown Napa, Milliken Creek offers a tranquil retreat. The property overlooks the Napa River and emphasizes relaxation, with spacious rooms, fireplaces, spa services, and personalized hospitality. Each morning of your stay enjoy a custom, made-to-order breakfast in bed (or anywhere else inside the inn you prefer). Guests are also invited to enjoy a complimentary wine hour every afternoon inside, sipping lush glasses of Napa Valley wine and snacking on gourmet light bites.
Set along the Napa River in Downtown Napa and named one of America’s Historic Hotels by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Napa River Inn & Spa offers guests a distinctive experience in one of Napa’s most historic areas. Opt for a room that includes a fireplace or covered balcony to elevate your in-room experience and soak in gorgeous riverfront views. The on-site spa also makes this an ideal rainy-day base, and its central location means you can enjoy tastings, dining, and shopping without needing to venture far in bad weather.
Designed to mimic all the comforts of home, Stanly Ranch is the ideal spot for a resort-style experience with expansive indoor amenities. Spacious rooms, suites, and villas provide plenty of space to relax indoors, while the property’s design and dining options make it feel like a destination of its own. Enjoy complete privacy surrounded by farm-inspired elegance. To round out the experience, the ranch’s onsite restaurant, Bear, serves up every meal of the day in an intimately cozy space and showcasing some of the best of Napa Valley’s distinctive culinary scene.
Why Napa Is a Great Destination — Rain or Shine
The rain or cold doesn’t limit Napa; it simply changes the pace. With inviting indoor tasting rooms, culinary experiences, family-friendly attractions, and cozy places to stay, Napa offers plenty to do year-round. Whether you’re traveling with kids, planning a romantic getaway, avoiding the rain, want to get out of the sun for a bit, or just looking for the best indoor activities Napa has to offer, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy wine country from the inside.
